Police: Manor Care resident spit, punched EMT in Bethlehem

A 50-year-old man was charged with spitting and punching an emergency medical technician early Sunday in Bethlehem, according to court records.

Gary Johnson, of Bethlehem, was charged with aggravated assault, simple assault and harassment. He was arraigned by District Judge Michael Faulkner and sent to Lehigh County Jail under $50,000 bail.

Bethlehem police were dispatched at 5:19 a.m. Sunday to St. Luke's University Hospital, Fountain Hill, and spoke to Brian Hart, an EMT with Dewey EMS, police said.

Hart told police he was responding to Manor Care, 2029 Westgate Drive, where he made contact with Johnson, a resident at the facility.

During the encounter, Johnson threatened Hart and then spit in his face and punched him in the face and arms, according to court records. Johnson continued to try and punch Hart until he was restrained, police said.

Bethlehem police said Hart had bruises and swelling to the left side of his head. .